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REVIEW
Craniosacral therapy: a systematic review of the clinical evidence
Article first published online: 18 OCT 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7166.2012.01174.x
© 2012 The Author FACT © 2012 Royal Pharmaceutical Society
Issue
Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
Volume 17, Issue 4, pages 197–201, December 2012
Additional Information
How to Cite
Ernst, E. (2012), Craniosacral therapy: a systematic review of the clinical evidence. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies, 17: 197–201. doi: 10.1111/j.2042-7166.2012.01174.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 8 NOV 2012
- Article first published online: 18 OCT 2012
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Alternative medicine;
- cranial osteopathy;
- craniosacral therapy;
- effectiveness;
- systematic review
Abstract
Aim
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a popular treatment for a wide range of conditions. This systematic review evaluates the evidence of effectiveness for CST for any human condition.
Method
An electronic search for relevant studies was conducted across three databases; this was complemented by extensive hand-searching of departmental files and bibliographies. Articles were included if they reported RCTs of CST for any human condition. Data were extracted according to predefined criteria and trial quality was determined using the Jadad score.
Results
Six studies were included. Except for one, all were associated with a high risk of bias. Low quality studies suggested positive effects, while the high-quality trial failed to demonstrate effectiveness.
Conclusion
The notion that CST is associated with more than non-specific effects is not based on evidence from rigorousRCTs.